Print

Pickled Green Tomatoes Recipe

4.7 from 621 reviews

This Pickled Green Tomatoes recipe offers a tangy and flavorful way to preserve green tomatoes using a simple vinegar-based brine infused with aromatic spices and herbs. Perfect as a zesty condiment or snack, these pickled tomatoes develop their best flavor after a few days of refrigeration.

Ingredients

Scale

Brine Ingredients

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Flavorings

  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 sprig fresh dill

Main Ingredient

  • 1 pound green tomatoes, cut into halves or chunks

Instructions

  1. Boil brine: In a small saucepan, combine hot water, distilled white vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Add the pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the salt and sugar dissolve, then bring it to a boil and maintain a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Infuse brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the peeled, lightly crushed garlic cloves along with one bay leaf to the hot brine. This step allows the brine to absorb the aromatic flavors from the garlic and bay leaf as it cools slightly.
  3. Fill jar: Place the prepared green tomato halves or chunks into a clean jar. Add the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and the fresh dill sprig into the jar for added spice and herbal notes. Carefully pour the warm brine over the tomatoes and spices, ensuring the tomatoes are completely submerged.
  4. Refrigerate: Gently tap the jar to release any trapped air bubbles, seal it with a lid, and let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator and allow the tomatoes to pickle for at least 2 days to develop the full, tangy flavor.

Notes

  • Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor in pickling.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder pickle.
  • The pickled green tomatoes keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
  • For deeper flavor, allow the tomatoes to pickle for up to one week before consuming.
  • Ensure tomatoes are fully submerged in the brine to prevent spoilage.

Keywords: pickled green tomatoes, homemade pickles, easy pickle recipe, green tomato preservation, vinegar pickles